Possible Gas Leak Forces Evacuation at George Washington Middle School in Alexandria

A possible gas leak from the school roof spurred an evacuation Thursday morning of George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mt. Vernon Ave., in Alexandria, according to an Alexandria City Public Schools spokeswoman.

Fire officials were on the scene for several hours checking out what was causing a gas odor that prompted the call to the fire department.

“Just before 10, the fire department was called about a strong smell of gas near the band room and auditorium,” ACPS spokeswoman Helen Lloyd said Thursday morning. “Students remain evacuated while it’s being resolved.”

The entire school was evacuated and the school delivered 1,400 lunches outside for students while they waited to return to the building, Lloyd said. Students returned to school at about 12:30 p.m.

Lloyd said that ACPS and the school kept parents abreast of the news via email and social media; some parents showed up at the school with bottled water for students while they waited outside.

ACPS issued this notice after the fire department gave its OK: “George Washington Middle School has now been cleared for re-entry by the fire department. Students will begin to head back to classes within the next few minutes. A food truck with 1,300 lunches was sent to the school playing fields to accommodate students while they waited to return to classes. We thank you for your patience during the evacuation. The safety of our students is our first priority.”

Shawn Gore, a spokesman for the Alexandria Fire Department, did not have any specific information about the source of the gas smell, and said he was told by fire officials that “it’s all clear.”

PHOTO: A possible gas leak prompted an evacuation Thursday morning at George Washington Middle School in Alexandria reader photo